We’ve all been there. That dreaded moment in the car when you hear your child say, “Mom …” in the voice that means only one thing: You better act quick, because someone is carsick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that motion sickness occurs when the movement your eyes see is different from the movement your inner ear senses. When you are in a car looking at something that does not seem to be moving (a book, the back of the seat in front of you, etc.) but your inner ear can feel the motion of the car, motion sickness can occur. Some people are more sensitive to these competing signals, while others have a higher tolerance. I have never been able to even glance down at a book or a map (or my phone) in the car without almost instantly feeling horrible, while others can read entire novels in the car with no problem.
But, lucky for us motion-sensitive folks, there are many different opinions to help keep the nausea at bay. I have tried many of these options with my own kids, one of whom is even more sensitive than me. So next time you are planning to hit the road (or the skies) take a few of these along and see what works for your little travelers.
Motion sickness glasses
I found these glasses online and decided to give them a try. The liquid in the frames sits just below your eyes and acts as an artificial horizon that moves along with the movement felt in your inner ear, which is supposed to cut down on nausea.
It takes some self-confidence to wear these glasses, as they look really weird. But in the privacy of your car, you might convince your kids to put them on. And once they experience them, it won’t be so hard to convince them next time. These worked wonders for my younger son. He could look down, even play games on a tablet while wearing them.
And I have had success with them, too. While they don’t make me feel good enough to read in the car, they really do keep me from getting carsick. So if you are willing to trade your dignity for your health (at least temporarily), give these a try.
Acupressure wristbands
This is a simple solution that works surprisingly well. We have several sets of these in the center console of our car, and when my kids were little I would pass them around when we headed out on a road trip. They work by applying pressure to an acupuncture point on your inner wrist that can relieve nausea. I like the fact that the stretchy wristbands easily fit everyone in the family, and there are no buckles or velcro to deal with. Just slip them on when you get in the car and you are all set. They are also inexpensive, which is helpful since no matter how hard we try they always eventually get lost in the black hole that is our family car.
Motion sickness patches
These patches are great if you have a long trip, as one can last up to 72 hours. Simply peel the backing off the sticky patch and stick it behind your ear or on your belly. The patches use natural herbs to combat nausea and are safe for kids ages 4 and older. With an average of 4.4 stars on Amazon and over 1,000 reviews, they are worth a shot! Some reviewers say they had trouble getting the patches to stick, and be sure to keep an eye out for any skin irritation.
EmeTerm anti-nausea wristband
If you are looking for something a little more high tech, this might be for you. The EmeTerm Explore is worn like a watch and provides drug-free nausea relief. It works by preventing nausea signals from transmitting from the brain to the stomach, preventing nausea. It’s waterproof, has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 40 hours of use and has a built-in 12-hour automatic shut-off for added safety. This option is more pricey, but does provide drug-free relief for an extended period of time and has tons of positive reviews online.
Nausea relief inhaler
This all natural, herbal inhaler is designed to provide instant nausea relief. The powerful minty smell helps reset your senses and can be used in two ways. You can open the top, hold the tube under your nose and inhale the scent. Or, you can unscrew the bottom of the tube and dab the oils on your wrist or under your nose, for longer exposure to the refreshing smell. It contains peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus oil and menthol, and can be used as often as necessary.
Captain Arthur’s No More Motion Sickness earplugs
Motion sickness happens when the brain receives different signals from the eyes and inner ears. By wearing one ear plug, you can create asymmetry in sensory input. The brain will interpret this asymmetry as something being wrong with the signals coming from the inner ear and will only pay attention to signals from the eyes. No more motion sickness! These earplugs come in a cute little travel box and offer different sizes, ensuring that you (or your kids) get that just-right fit.
Over the counter medications like Dramamine
When I was a kid, sometimes the best solution to my car sickness was just falling asleep until we got to our destination. (There was no other way for me to make it over the notorious Grapevine in Southern California on our annual drive from Oregon to my grandparents’ house in Los Angeles.) When that was the case, my mom would hand me some Dramamine, and I was out like a light. Today, there are more medicines to choose from, and they won’t all knock you out (even Dramamine has a “less drowsy” option).
Make sure you follow the dosage and the recommended age range, as some medicines are not intended for younger children. And if you do take something that will make you sleepy, pay attention to the timing. I once almost passed out in an airport waiting area when our family’s flight was delayed, after taking my motion sickness medicine too prematurely.
Ginger ale or lozenges, capsules or chews
Ginger is known to be a natural nausea reliever. In addition to ginger ale, you find it in lozenges, capsules or chews so you can pick the form that will work best for your crew. Ginger can be a strong or spicy flavor, not all kids will love it, so consider having another anti-nausea plan in case your child can’t tolerate the flavor.
Vomit bags
This might not help prevent motion sickness, but it will make you feel a lot better when you have to clean things up. We have had a stash of these in our glove box for years, and they have come in handy many times. When you need these, you’ll be thankful you have them, believe me.
Take a break
Sometimes a quick stop can help the most. If you can, pull over at a rest stop or another place where the person feeling sick can get out of the car. Fresh air and a break from the motion of the car can do wonders. Have some crackers and ginger ale on hand to help settle the nausea while you sit with the car doors open, or maybe even step out and find a bench or some grass to relax on. It might slow your trip down a little, but a kid who is feeling better is well worth it.
Stop motion sickness before it starts
Try these strategies to keep motion sickness at bay.
- Face the direction you are going. Sitting backward or sideways can increase nausea. Have kids sit facing the direction the car is moving, and encourage them to look straight ahead out the front windshield.
- Keep your eyes on the horizon. Focusing on a stable point in the distance helps the brain match what the body is feeling, which can ease motion sickness.
- Get some fresh air. Crack a window or turn on the vents. A little airflow can go a long way in settling an upset stomach.
- Try a light snack. An empty stomach can make symptoms worse, but heavy foods don’t help either. Plain crackers or dry cereal are easy, gentle options.
- Put down the screen. Reading or watching a device can trigger nausea. Take breaks from books, tablets and phones, especially on winding roads. Audio books and podcasts are a great entertainment option!
- Lie down (if you can). Reclining or lying back with eyes closed can help reset the body and reduce that dizzy feeling.
- Distract with music or a game. Singing along to favorite songs or playing simple audio-based games can take kids’ minds off how they’re feeling.
- Stay hydrated. Offer small sips of water regularly. Avoid sugary or fizzy drinks, which can sometimes make things worse.
- Keep the car cool. Overheating can intensify motion sickness, so keep the temperature comfortable and dress kids in layers they can easily take off in the car.
- Plan regular breaks. Stop every couple of hours so kids can get out, stretch and reset their balance.
- Pack a “just in case” kit. Keep a bottle of water, paper towels, wipes and a change of clothes within easy reach so you’re prepared if nausea turns into something more.
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